After two days of riding the high plains of Colorado, we came face to face with one of the most formidable obstacles in the state: the Rocky Mountains.

The morning started innocently enough as we rode through the farms and pastures outside of Loveland. Very quickly, however, we began climbing. Obviously, we were expecting this.

I sometimes refer to Colorado and high planes and desert separated by a few large rocks (at least if you traverse by I-70). Our route along the Poudre River was gradual, but it was still up hill for 35 miles.

We worked on shortening up our break time. Similar to polar travel break time can eat away daylight. An extra minute here... an extra five minutes there. They add up and can adversely affect the travel day. We also took some walking breaks where we pushed our bikes while snacking. This allowed us to make miles, eat and stretch our stiff legs.

We arrived at the top of the pass at sunset so we added a few layers as we knew the long decent would be cold. We also added a couple of new lights that Jocelyn from Trek sent us. On our helmets we added another Uco headlamp.

It was ironic to me to be riding at night. Part of the idea of the Coloradathon was spawned on a night bike and swim adventure when I lived in northern Minnesota.

Needless to say we didn't get to town until after 9. We rode nearly 100 miles today and are very tired.

My Therm-a-rest sleeping bag is calling!

Image: Filling up bottles in the Poudre with the MSR trail shot filter.